Signstek HiFi USB to Coaxial S/PDIF Converter Convert Digital to Analogue Signal Mini USB DAC PCM

Before writing this review, I wanted to give this product a thorough examination. This DAC was purchased for ONE and ONLY ONE reason: to improve the sound quality of my Dell XPS computer's built-in speakers. I was fine with the built-in sound (lots of connections), which was provided by a VERY nice Realtek HD chip. That is, until I purchased a set of bookshelf speakers to complement my sub-woofer. My computer has a built-in woofer. Although the speakers were a significant improvement, I felt there was still room for improvement in the sound card department. The Signstek HIFI USB is a good example of this. br>br>So I compared this Dac (Signstek HIFI USB) to the Realtek HD, as well as an old USB Sound card based on the C Media-based C Media-based C Media-based C Media-based C Media-based C Media-based C Media-based C Media-based C Media-based C Media-based C Media-based C Media-based C Media-based C Media-based C Media- (Under $10) Multimedia Chipset (CM119 chip). 00, with headphone and mic jacks, many names at Amazon)br>br>I put all three sound cards to the test with classical music using headphones. After I finished, I tested again, this time allowing my daughter to choose, and she came to the same conclusions as me. Results of the test: br>br> br>Realtek HD is a high-definition television system that was developed by Realtek. It wasn't bad, but it was dead last; my daughter and I both thought it had the least defined sound. br>USB Type C br>USB Type C br>USB Type C Media: It was a significant improvement over the Realtek, and for the money (under $10), it would have been a worthwhile upgrade. br>Signstek HIFI USB: Signstek HIFI USB: Signstek HIFI USB: Signstek HIFI It was the best, but the USB C-to-USB C-to-USB C-to-USB C-to-US Although the media was not in abundance, it was present. br>br>Please keep in mind that this was strictly a sound quality test; the Signstek HIFI USB has many useful connections that I don't overlook and that add value, but this was a sound quality test. br>br>So, what exactly do I mean when I say it sounds better? I understand that this may appear to be academic, but the way it sounds better is not the same as when we switch speakers or headphones. The "CLARITY" or "SOUND SEPARATION" has improved. There is a distortion that makes the sound muffled, almost distorted, especially on the Realtek HD, and it's not something that an equalizer can fix. It's not that I can hear sounds I couldn't hear before; that usually happens when you switch speakers; rather, it's like knowing the exact note played on a guitar or drum. This "clarity" aids in the recognition of instruments and the appreciation of music. The problem is that once you hear it with that much clarity, the old way sounds a lot worse than it actually is. You simply do not wish to return. So, are there any better dacs? I'm sure there are, and the majority of them are also more expensive. The law of diminishing returns should not be overlooked. I'm confident that most people who have a good set of speakers or headphones, as well as digital outputs, will be satisfied with this dac. br>br>PS: If you're looking for a unique way to express yourself, try using the words "cre While writing this review, I've been listening to the Signstek HIFI USB, and it's fantastic! My purchase was a great success. br>br>Recent changes: br>br> On Windows computers (I'm not sure about Macs), there's something I'd like to point out. The default audio drivers will be installed by Windows. This is all well and good, but you'll almost certainly be missing out on one very useful feature that many built-in sound cards include: an equalizer. With the help of two programs, I was able to solve this problem. The first is called "Equalizer APO," and it's free. It worked fine, but not all of the features were available. Regardless, I believe the vast majority of people will be pleased. The next option, "EqualizerPro," was a paid option with fewer features but no issues. The ability to add equalization to the Signstek HIFI in Windows was extremely useful because it allowed me to tailor the sound to my specific speakers. I was using some external treble and bass controls, but a digital equalizer would have been much better. br>br>For those who find the Signstek HIFI USB's sound a little flat, or simply want to customize it to your specific needs, one of these two programs (at least in Windows) should be able to help.

Roberto Potts

| Nov 08, 2021

with a plethora of possibilities! We'd picked up a few of these impressive little DACs from various sources over the last few years and felt it was time to give them a proper review. Spoiler alert: While our initial impressions are in line with the vast majority of other positive reviews on this site, we'll point out that with a few minor tweaks, this device can deliver FAR more performance. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, go ahead and read on; if not, rest assured that even in its original configuration, the 'bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-bang-b for- the- Here, the buck's performance is outstanding. We believe it is unlikely to disappoint, especially given the low price. br>br>Note that a similar DAC with a different brand name on the casing can be found elsewhere online. The original design was reportedly created by Muse Audio, and it has since been widely copied by a slew of foreign manufacturers and sold through a variety of outlets. Internal component quality varies in our experience, despite the fact that the general circuit design has remained consistent and the TI/Burr- The Brown 2704 is a high-quality D/A chipset, despite its age. We decided to see how much performance we could squeeze out of this little beast because we have an electronics background and an innate desire to tinker. br>br>Part of the allure here is the small overall size, as well as the lack of an outboard power source for convenience. This DAC should be powered by almost any device that has a standard 5V/1A USB port. The aluminum case's construction quality is surprisingly good for the price. After removing the four screws that hold the end plate in place, carefully slide the entire board out. When you dig a little deeper into the circuits and decode the resistor banding, you'll notice that they have a fairly tight tolerance. Following that, testing with a multi-user system. Confirm with the meter. Those whom we have chosen to ignore. br>br>As someone who has personally re- Having capped many older components (amps, receivers, crossovers, and so on) over the years, we're well aware of the sometimes dramatic difference in perceived sound quality a few well-known brands can make. Capacitors in strategic locations, particularly in critical areas (such as the signal path), can have a significant impact. This is one area where each of the DACs we've bought has been different - the capacitors' brand name Even the color of the PCBs has varied internally, despite the fact that they appear to be identical on the outside. There was a blue one, a white one, and a black one! There isn't a whole lot of consistency. It was most likely a matter of which parts vendor offered a slightly lower price on a bulk order at the time of production. br>br>We know what you're thinking: 'Let's get right to the point, man!' 'No problem at all. ' In the end, we decided to upgrade ALL of the caps on the board while keeping the factory component values. After many hours of total listening to various configurations, the final mods (as seen in the photos) included a mix of our personal favorite, silky-smooth, and silky-smooth, silky-smooth, silky-smooth, silky-smooth, silk Elna Silmic II's, Nichicon Fine Gold, and Nichicon BP's (1uf - 1uf) are all smooth Elna Silmic II's, Nichicon Fine Gold, and Nichicon BP's 50V). The Elna's in particular, as you can see in the photos, are massive in comparison to the decidedly inferior originals that were removed. After some careful calculations, it was determined that they would simply clear the case, which they did. Because of the strict ROHS regulations, almost all electronic devices are now made with lead-free materials. It's free solder, but it's a lot harder to work with. Some people believe it degrades sound quality as well. The entire board was reflowed with Cardas Silver Solder at the same time as the cap upgrade. This is insane overkill for such a small, low-profile vehicle. What is the cost of a DAC? Without a doubt, but it was a fun project, and we just wanted to see what else this little guy could do in terms of sound. The total cost of the parts is extremely low, and they are readily available. Similar mods could be easily performed by anyone with basic soldering skills (and we hope it will inspire a few people to try - We'd like to hear your thoughts on the matter). So, what's the end result, you might wonder? Amazing! It's incredible! Fantastic! Okay, to temper our elation with a dose of reality, it's actually better than it has any right to be. This DAC has been the subject of many friends' wide-eared awe. There are a lot of people who think that I'm shaking my head in disbelief. Even reluctantly sold a couple of them after much begging. When it comes to bit- JRiver Media Center software (an important part of the equation in our opinion) and run it on anything from a netbook to our custom-built media center. It doesn't matter if it's a custom laptop or a gaming desktop. This device is a slam-dunk winner. I even tried it hooked up to a massive pure Class-A amplifier on a whim. While it wouldn't be a high-end system, it would have a power amp and some massive Infinity tower speakers. in conclusion, mega- In an A/B comparison, the buck audiophile DAC did not embarrass itself. There is a genuine, open-and-honest source of information available. Even through inexpensive PC speakers, the soundstage now has a sense of width and depth. That had never happened to me before! It's completely silent in the background. Even after long listening sessions, the highs don't become grating or tiresome. Even when running for 12 hours a day, it never gets hotter than a few degrees. Our ears hear no difference between the RCA and headphone outputs. The optical and S/PDIF conversions are completed. Those are just the cherry on top. br>br>If you get the impression we're happy with what ended up being a total investment of less than $50, including the DAC, you're right. Yes, you are correct. More accurately, I'd say I'm ecstatic! br>br>UPDATE: br>br> This review has been up for more than three years. We had no idea it would spark such enthusiasm! Thank you all for the (mostly) positive feedback, and congratulations to those who have successfully completed similar mods with excellent results. We recently (2019) decided to take one of these and give it the 'Full-Fledged' treatment as part of another fun project. Monty' treatment consisting of the aforementioned capacitor swap, PLUS have now replaced 100% of the cheap factory carbon-based carbon-based carbon-based carbon-based carbon-based carbon-based carbon-based carbon-based carbon-based based resistors with ultra-low impedance Vishay- low-noise The only original components left on the board are the DAC chip, I/O sockets, and a few diodes. Dale CMF series metal film versions, once again retaining all of the originally spec'd values. All of the other features have been enhanced. One of the stock resistors is still visible in the last photo, which shows a nearly finished board. If the original lead-in was still available, this would be a simple project to complete. It wasn't always so difficult to come by free solder. The real question is this: br>br> Is it really worth investing so much time, effort, and money in a bargain? Do you have a DAC in your basement? Only you can answer that question, but according to our sources, this little guy has been given a new name: 'Giant Killer' is a term used to describe a person who has the size of a It's truly astounding! P. br>br>P. br>br>P. br>br>P. For those interested in giving it a shot, here's a list of what I believe are the original values: (5) 22- (3) 100-ohm ohm ohm ohm ohm (1) 220-ohm ohm ohm ohm ohm (1) 300-ohm ohm ohm ohm ohm (1) ohm, (2) ohm, (3) ohm, (4) oh 5K- (1) 5K-ohm ohm-ohm-ohm-ohm-o (1) 1M (meg-) ohm, and (2) 1M (meg-) ohm ohm). There should be a total of 16 in total, but due to the possibility of running production changes, please check your specific board with a meter and verify. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. I'd love to hear from some people who are brave enough to try out this new mod!.

Nova Mason

| Jun 27, 2021

I'm using this bad boy as a digital audio pass-through, as stated in my headline. by means of a device (Chromebook)br> > a USB cord > DAC (Digital Audio Converter) by Signstek > cable coaxial- > I want to listen to my digital music collection on my home stereo, so I bought a receiver. It's a cinch to use. Sounds fantasticbr>Unfortunately, I can't comment on this unit's ability as a true DAC (although the majority of reviewers seem to think it does), but as a bridge, it works flawlessly.

Landon HOUGHTON

| Dec 13, 2021